Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB645

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Relating To Homeless Youth.

Impact

The bill proposes an appropriation from the general revenues of Hawaii to fund emergency shelters and services for unaccompanied homeless youth across all major islands, including Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. By securing financial support for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, it aims to significantly improve access to emergency resources, addressing a critical gap in the existing services which many homeless youth currently navigate. The expected outcome is a more robust infrastructure tailored to assist one of Hawaii's most vulnerable populations, directly impacting the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors and young adults.

Summary

House Bill 645 aims to address the pressing issue of homelessness among youth in Hawaii by providing targeted funding for emergency shelters and services. Following alarming statistics, the bill acknowledges that up to one in ten young adults and one in thirty adolescents may experience homelessness, particularly unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. It highlights the compounded vulnerabilities of these youth, including mental health challenges, a history of being in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, and physical harm based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This recognition of the plight of unaccompanied homeless youth is a significant aspect of the bill, emphasizing the need for active support and intervention.

Contention

While HB 645 has garnered support for its intended relief measures, potential points of contention may arise regarding the appropriations and the distribution of the funds. Stakeholders may question the adequacy of the proposed funding relative to the needs outlined in the bill. Additionally, discussions may arise around the effectiveness of existing agencies, like the Department of Human Services, in successfully implementing and managing such programs. The focus on LGBTQ+ youth and the unique challenges they face may also generate debate regarding tailored services versus broad applications of support for all homeless youth.

Companion Bills

HI SB1098

Same As Relating To Homeless Youth.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1098

Relating To Homeless Youth.

HI HB613

Relating To Homeless Youth.

HI HB123

Relating to personal identification documents for foster children or youth or homeless children or youth.

HI HB180

Relating to a waiver of fees for foster care and homeless youth for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates.

HI HB3079

Relating to youth homelessness.

HI HB862

Relating to a waiver of fees for foster care and homeless youth for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates.

HI HB153

Relating to the issuance of personal identification documents for foster children, homeless children or youth, and unaccompanied youth.

HI SB481

Relating to personal identification documents for foster children or youth, homeless children or youth, and unaccompanied youth.

Similar Bills

CA SB678

Unaccompanied Women Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021.

CA AB27

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: reporting.

CA AB673

Unaccompanied homeless pupils: Unaccompanied Youth Transitional Housing Program.

CA SR61

Relative to Unaccompanied Women Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Month.

CA AB1937

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: reporting.

CA SB914

HELP Act.

CA SB814

Homelessness.

CA AB2375

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: housing questionnaire.